ALBUM OF THE WEEK

MACY GRAY: RUBY (Mack Avenue)

MACY GRAY never fully capitalised on the success of her first album, On How Life Is, almost 20 years ago.

Held back by a love-it-orleave-it voice with a raspy timbre, she ultimately became a quirky covers singer, tackling everyone from Metallica to Bob Marley.

Her tenth album restores the maverick artistry that made her a star.

Ruby lacks the obvious hooks of hits such as I Cry, but its 12 self-penned songs are gratifyingly personal.

The U.S. singer’s voice (still distinctive) has also lost a little of its helium edge, making for a more rounded listening experience.

Gritty R&B and slinky jazz tracks dominate. Meghan Trainor is an unlikely presence: adding vocals and piano on Sugar Daddy.

Serious issues are addressed on But He Loves Me (about a toxic, but addictive, relationship), but there’s light relief, too. Shenanigans is racy, but good-natured; Over You finds her sheepishly confessing: ‘I haven’t had a drink since my last one.’